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 letter and told him he had discovered the bounteous hand that gave him liberty.

‘I have compared this letter of my Lord Belfont with the one I received when under confinement, and I find both exactly corresponding. To his Lordship I attribute the benevolent act. To morrow we purpose leaving this humble dwelling, and once more take possession of our former mansion, where I hope, we shall enjoy your company.

‘You do me infinite honour, sir: and I will study to deserve your favour. But where is Miss Benley ?’ ‘I believe you will find her in the garden, she and her mother will keep you company, while I visit my friends in the village.’

Trueman walked into the garden, and found his lovely Charlotte seated on a bower which she herself had reared. She had a letter in her hand, which as she perused, the tears fell from her sorrowing eyes, she hurried the letter into her pocket and darted an angry look at the youth.

‘Why, my lovely Charlotte! do you thus angrily fix on me those streaming eyes?’

‘Answer me faithfully,’ said she; ‘art thou what thou seemest? or, beneath mean attire, but ill according with thy polished manner. Ha! my fears are true! The blush of guilt has crimsoned thy face, that sudden start proclaim thee false!

‘Tell me,’ said Trueman, ‘the grounds you have raised suspicion of my honour.’